Burnley's former Manchester United winger Chris Eagles has welcomed their Carling Cup semifinal draw with Tottenham.

"It's special to me because I grew up in Islington and I was a Tottenham season-ticket holder," explained Eagles. "I'm no fan now but I used to go and watch them with my dad and uncles. It's going to be a special tie.

"But if you think to of ara head - or you're still thinking about beating Arsenal - you're not concentrating on your job. The league's our bread and, without the league, we wouldn't be doing so well in the cup.

"To be honest, I'm relieved not to be playing Manchester United - I think it's a bit soon for me to play them. It would have been emotional."

Eagles probably thought his prospects of appearing in cup semi-finals were slim when he left United in the summer in a £1m-plus deal, but he claims not to be shocked by the Clarets' high-flying exploits in the league.

"People are surprised that Burnley are up there but I'm not because I train with these players every day," he said.

"I've been at United since I was 14 years old and I've played with some world-class players and the players here are right up there."